Lynch Syndrome Hereditary Cancer Awareness Day

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WHEREAS, Lynch syndrome, a part of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is a hereditary condition that causes greater risk of developing colorectal, endometrial, urinary tract, ovarian, pancreatic and other types of cancers; and

WHEREAS, geneticists estimate that approximately 11,000 individuals in Alabama and more than 800,000 persons throughout the United States alone, have Lynch syndrome, including one in every 440 persons, and studies show that only five percent of those with a family or personal history of colon cancer have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome; and

WHEREAS, every person should know their family history and share it with their physician to determine if their family may be at high risk for hereditary cancers; every newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer should be screened for Lynch syndrome characteristics to prompt risk assessment and further testing; and

WHEREAS, having knowledge of a Lynch syndrome diagnosis can increase cancer prevention through regular screening measures and lead to earlier cancer detection and treatment:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 22, 2014, as

Lynch Syndrome Hereditary Cancer Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama.

Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov